Photos: (1)Present-day NGDB ; (2) Jeff Hanna and Jerry Garcia in 1974 –credit: William McEuen

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends – Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years is the aptly titled concert album, available as a CD or as a CD/DVD combo set for release on September 30 (it is now available for pre-order via the band’s website). This live  recording originated at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and finds the group joined by such longtime friends and collaborators John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Byron House,  Jerry Douglas and former members Jackson Browne and Jimmy Ibbotson. Today we premiere the version of “Catfish John” which appears on the record in which Alison Krauss guests with the group.

NGDB’s Jeff Hanna reflects, “We first performed ‘Catfish John’ with Alison Krauss on Will The Circle Be Unbroken Vol.3. It was written by two of our favorite writers, Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds. As a matter of fact Jerry Garcia Band did a killer version, back in the 70’s. When we put the set together for our “Ryman 50th” show, it seemed a natural choice. It’s always such a pleasure singing and playing with Alison, and of course Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas, as well!”